India’s air traffic growth keeps flying high.
Domestic traffic was up nearly 20% in January, with more than 11 million flown during the month, compared to 9.5 million in January 2017.
It was called a ‘lovely start’ to the year by civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju.
"A lovely start for Indian aviation in 2018. January records a growth rate of (around) 20%. We continue to be the fastest growing aviation market in the world," Raju tweeted.
No-frills carrier IndiGo remained way out in front as the nation’s biggest carrier with a 39.7% market share followed by Jet Airways at just over 14% and soon to be privatised Air India at 13.3%.
However Spicejet, which has a 12% share, filled more of its seats than any other airline with a passenger load factor of 95%.
"SpiceJet has yet again recorded the highest PLF in the industry and this is the 34th month in a row that we have flown with load factors in excess of 90%," Spicejet chief sales and revenue officer Shilpa Bhatia said.
All major airlines recorded load factors of over 80%.
However India still lags on on-time performance with Jet Airways propping up the punctuality table with just 64% of flight arriving on time.
Flight cancellations impacted 17,425 passengers during January, according to Directorate General of Civil Aviation data.
